Animal Species:Dwarf Dory, Zenion sp.

Standard Common Name

Alternative Name/s

Fishes in the family Zeniontidae have been called Armoreye Dories, Bighead Dories, Capro Dories, Elongate Dories and Rough-head Dories.

Number of species

One described species, Zenion japonicum, and several undescribed species are currently known from Australian waters.

Identification

The Dwarf Dories have very large eyes and a protrusible mouth. They have pelvic fins with a strong spine (serrated in Zenion) and six or seven rays. There is a spiny ridge at the base of both the dorsal and anal fins.

Size range

Most species in the family Zeniontidae grow to no more than 10 cm in length.

Distribution

Dwarf Dories occur in the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.